Crete: Spinalonga Boat Tour With BBQ & Agios Nikolaos

Crete’s enchanting Spinalonga Island has captivated travelers for centuries. This full-day tour promises an immersive experience, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. Guests will embark on a scenic bus ride to Elounda, indulge in a traditional Greek BBQ lunch, and explore the island’s Venetian stronghold and leper colony past. The excursion also includes a visit to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, allowing for leisure and shopping. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an unforgettable day in Crete, this tour offers a compelling glimpse into the island’s rich tapestry of stories.

Key Points

The Spinalonga Boat Tour is an 11-hour excursion from Crete, featuring a BBQ lunch at Kolokitha Beach and a guided tour of the historic Spinalonga Island.
The tour includes transportation via bus and boat, with multiple departure locations across Crete, and a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos for shopping and relaxation.
The BBQ menu offers a range of local dishes, including pork chops, Greek salad, feta cheese, and local wine, providing a cultural dining experience.
The tour highlights the history of Spinalonga Island, which was a Venetian stronghold and later a leper colony, with an included olive oil tasting.
The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to the transfers and uneven terrain, and advance booking is recommended to secure spots.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Crete: Spinalonga Boat Tour offers visitors an immersive experience, priced at $38.77 per person.

The 11-hour tour departs from multiple locations across Crete, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment, providing flexibility.

The tour includes transportation via bus and boat, allowing participants to explore the historic Spinalonga Island and enjoy a BBQ lunch at Kolokitha Beach.

With multilingual guides and liability insurance, the tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the rich history and natural beauty of Crete.

However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Itinerary Highlights

Sailing from Elounda, the tour takes guests to Kolokitha Beach for a refreshing swim and a mouthwatering BBQ.

The menu features pork chops, Greek salad, feta cheese, bread, local wine, and seasonal fruit.

After the beachside meal, the tour heads to the historic Spinalonga Island. Here, a guided tour explores the island’s rich history, from its time as a Venetian stronghold to its use as a leper colony.

Next, guests enjoy a cultural experience with a local olive oil tasting.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour offers convenient pickup from 55 locations, including hotels and resorts between Agia Pelagia and Sissi.

Transportation includes a 2-hour bus ride and various water transport, such as a 40-minute boat ride to Kolokitha Beach, a 25-minute boat ride to Spinalonga Island, and a 15-minute boat ride to Agios Nikolaos.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. The trip involves several transfers and walking on uneven terrain, particularly during the guided tour of Spinalonga Island.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the day’s activities.

Inclusions and Additional Fees

This tour includes a professional multilingual guide, driver, air-conditioned bus transfers, and liability insurance.

However, there are additional fees to consider. Entrance to Spinalonga Island costs €8 per person. The boat ticket and BBQ meal cost €15 per adult and €7.5 per child.

Discounts are available for certain groups, with EU seniors (65+) and non-EU youths (under 25) receiving a 50% discount, and EU youths (under 25) getting the tour for free.

Guests should also factor in the cost of any personal expenses, such as souvenirs or extra food and drinks, not included in the tour price.

Important Information

Comfort and convenience are essential for a seamless tour experience. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and pack sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to protect against the Mediterranean sun.

Beachwear is recommended for the swimming stop at Kolokitha Beach. To ensure a smooth pickup, travelers will receive an email confirmation of their selected pickup location within 24 hours of the tour.

With knowledgeable guides and efficient logistics, this Spinalonga boat tour provides an immersive cultural experience in Crete. Customers have praised the tour’s organization, highlighting the expertise of the guides.

Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot on this popular excursion.

Customer Feedback

Customers have generally rated this Spinalonga boat tour as 3.5 out of 5 stars based on their experiences. The tour has been highlighted for its knowledgeable guides and efficient execution. However, some areas for improvement have been noted:

Strengths	Neutral	Areas for Improvement
Knowledgeable guides	Tour duration	Better accessibility for those with mobility issues
Efficient tour itinerary	Variety in BBQ menu	More flexible cancellation policy
Cultural experiences	–	Clearer communication on extra fees

Departure and Sailing

The tour kicks off with a scenic drive from the pickup locations, whisking participants to the Elounda port.

From there, guests board a boat and embark on a 40-minute journey to the tranquil Kolokitha Beach. Along the way, they’ll take in the stunning views of the Mirabello Bay and the Sitia mountains in the distance.

Upon arrival, guests can indulge in a delectable BBQ lunch featuring pork chops, Greek salad, feta cheese, and local wine, all while enjoying the sun and sand.

This idyllic setting sets the stage for the next part of the adventure – the exploration of the historic Spinalonga Island.

Dining and Cultural Experiences

After disembarking at Kolokitha Beach, guests typically indulge in a delectable BBQ lunch. The menu features a spread of pork chops, Greek salad, feta cheese, fresh bread, local wine, and seasonal fruit.

This hearty meal provides the energy needed to explore the island of Spinalonga. During the stop at Spinalonga, travelers can learn about its rich history, from its days as a Venetian fortress to its use as a leper colony.

The tour also includes an olive oil tasting, allowing participants to gain insight into the cultural significance of this local product.

The day culminates with a visit to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, where guests can relax and shop before returning.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome. However, the tour may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments as it involves walking and transportation by boat.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks. The tour package includes a BBQ lunch and local wine. Outside food and drinks are not permitted on this tour.

Is There an Option for a Vegetarian/Vegan BBQ Menu?

Unfortunately, the tour’s BBQ menu doesn’t include a vegetarian or vegan option. However, you can likely request a special meal by contacting the tour operator in advance. They may be able to accommodate your dietary needs.

Will There Be Any Stops for Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t mention specific restroom breaks, but there’ll likely be opportunities during the boat rides and stops in Kolokitha Beach and Agios Nikolaos. Guests should feel free to ask the guide about breaks as needed.

What Is the Policy for Bringing Children on the Tour?

The tour allows children, with discounts available for those under 25. However, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so parents should consider their child’s needs before booking.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

Recap

The Crete: Spinalonga Boat Tour with BBQ & Agios Nikolaos offers an enriching experience, blending history, culture, and leisure. Visitors will discover the captivating Spinalonga Island, indulge in a delectable Greek BBQ lunch, and explore the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, making it an unforgettable day trip. With convenient transportation and a well-rounded itinerary, this tour provides an immersive glimpse into the wonders of Crete.